SF1719

The bill S.F. No. 1719 establishes a Task Force on Mandatory Minimum Sentences in Minnesota. The task force is created to collect and analyze data on charging, convicting, and sentencing individuals under mandatory minimum sentencing laws. It will evaluate whether current laws promote public safety and equity and make recommendations to the legislature.

Key Provisions:

• Definition: "Mandatory minimum" refers to legislatively defined sentencing requirements mandating a minimum prison term for certain offenses.
• Membership: The task force consists of representatives from law enforcement, public defenders, county attorneys, civil rights organizations, victim rights groups, and academia. Appointments must be made by July 30, 2025.
• Meetings & Administration: The Commissioner of Corrections will convene the first meeting by August 1, 2025. The task force must meet at least monthly and will request data from various law enforcement and judicial agencies.
• Duties: The task force will:
  • Collect data on charges, convictions, and sentencing involving mandatory minimums.
  • Analyze cases where sentences were reduced (or could have been reduced) due to concerns about fairness.
  • Review relevant laws, input from convicted individuals and their families, and assess the benefits and unintended consequences of mandatory minimums.
  • Make legislative recommendations on sentencing and data collection policies.
• Report & Expiration: The task force must submit a final report by January 15, 2026, and will expire the day after submitting its report.

This initiative seeks to reevaluate Minnesota’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws and ensure they are just and effective.